Should I really give this kid Epi?

Why do so many in emergency services view epinephrine (aka adrenaline) as dangerous and delay giving the medication to those with severe allergic reactions? Probably because we now associate it as the big gun bolus we give every 3 minutes during cardiac arrest. After years of epi use during ALS-managed resuscitation, we are now afraid of this drug. Surprise, it is made naturally in your body, and should be the #1 go-to intervention for any child or adult showing signs of severe allergy. Simply put, if the patient is demonstrating any signs or symptoms above the neck, epi should be your first thought. EpiPens (no, we don't have a financial interest in them) should be handed out like candy in clinics and schools to anyone with a previous allergy that could become life-threatening. What's really scary is that the first allergic reaction is usually not the worst. This sensitizes the person's immune response so subsequent exposures are the real shit-storm.

The next time you have a patient with allergic reaction findings above the neck, i.e. redness, facial swelling, drooling, tongue changes, or even the sensation of "my throat feels funny", we recommend reaching for that life-saving epinephrine and providing the only thing that has proven efficacy.

Take a listen to this podcast for more information.